Kenneth T. Miyasaki, Ph.D., D.D.S., M.S.
Kenneth T. Miyasaki D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D. is an associate professor in the Section of Oral Biology in the Division of Oral Biology & Medicine at the UCLA School of Dentistry.
"I entered dental academia with a desire to contribute to its knowledge base. Teaching was a part of academia which has become more important to me over the years, I think because I am no longer in the same age bracket as the students! I chose to come to the UCLA School of Dentistry because it was a fairly young, extremely dynamic school with a great potential for research growth. Again, with time, I realized that the students at the UCLA School of Dentistry are of the highest caliber, with a destiny of leadership in the world of both clinical and academic dentistry. This is another reason to be at the UCLA School of Dentistry."
Contact Information
63-070 CHS
10833 Le Conte Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1668
Phone: (310) 206-5983
Educational and Professional Background
- 1971, B.A., Bacteriology, University of California, Los Angeles
- 1977, D.D.S., University of California, San Francisco
- 1980, M.S., Oral Biology, University of California, San Francisco
- 1987, Ph.D. Oral Biology, State University of New York at Buffalo
- 1988, Certificate in Periodontics, University of California, Los Angeles
Teaching Activities
Dr. Miyasaki teaches OB 482b Oral Immunology to the dental students and OB206b Current Topics in Oral Immunology to the oral biology graduate students. He gives lectures in immunology to PPID students.
Research/Creative Activities/Honors
Dr. Miyasaki's focus has been to determine the mechanism whereby neutrophils control periodontal pathogens. A lysosomal constituent, Cathepsin G (a granzyme B family member), exhibits the most intense microbicidal effects against periodontal pathogens. Other peptides which were important included LL-37 and defensins. A nonlysosomal component, calprotectin, exerts strong microbiostatic effects not observed in the lysosomal fractions. His present studies involve testing the structural and functional attributes of cathepsin G and calprotectin.
Professional Memberships and Activities
Editorial Boards
- Editorial Board, J. Periodontology 1988 to present
- Editorial Board, Oral Microbiol. Immunol. 1994 to present
- Editorial Academy, Int. J. Oral Biol. 1996 to 2002
Professional Associations
- International Assoc. Dental Research and AADR 1977-present
- American Association for the Advancement of Science 1977-present
- American Society for Microbiology 1985-present
- American Academy of Periodontology 1986-1993
- IADR Science Information Committee 1988-1991
- Secretary, Southern California AADR 1992-2004